Who needs a SOC 2 report?

SOC 2 reports are designed for technology and cloud-based service organizations, including SaaS companies, cloud infrastructure providers, managed service providers, and any business that stores, processes, or transmits customer data on behalf of others. If enterprise customers are asking how you protect their data, a SOC 2 report provides the independent answer they need.

What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?

A SOC 2 Type I report assesses whether your controls are suitably designed as of a specific date. A SOC 2 Type II report goes further, testing whether those controls operated effectively over an audit period, typically 6 to 12 months. Most enterprise buyers require a Type II report, but a Type I can satisfy near-term customer requests while you build toward Type II.

How long does a SOC 2 audit take?

A SOC 2 Type I engagement typically takes approximately one to two months from kickoff to report issuance. A SOC 2 Type II engagement depends on your examination period (3 to 12 months), with the report issued within one month of period end.

How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?

SOC 2 audit costs vary based on scope, the number of Trust Services Criteria selected, organization size, and complexity. Sage Audits offers fixed-fee engagements, so there are no surprise invoices. Use our pricing calculator or reach out for a specific quote based on your situation.

Which Trust Services Criteria should I include in my SOC 2?

Security is required for every SOC 2 engagement. Additional categories — Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy — depend on your service commitments to customers. Most SaaS companies include Security and Availability at a minimum. We help you determine the right scope during the scoping phase.

Do I need a readiness assessment before my SOC 2 audit?

A readiness assessment is strongly recommended for first-time SOC 2 engagements. It maps your controls to the Trust Services Criteria, identifies gaps, and produces a remediation roadmap before the audit period clock starts. Skipping readiness often leads to findings that could have been addressed in advance.

Can you work with Vanta, Drata, or other GRC platforms?

Yes. We work with Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, TrustCloud, and other GRC platforms. We perform independent testing procedures to form our own opinion, then work with your platform to collect evidence efficiently. Bring your stack — we will meet you where you are.

Can SOC 2 be combined with ISO 27001, HIPAA, or NIST?

Yes. We map your SOC 2 control environment to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, HIPAA Security Rule, and SOX ITGC within a single engagement, reducing duplication and maximizing the value of your audit investment. Note that ISO 27001 certification requires a separate certification body and cannot be substituted by a SOC 2 engagement.

What is included in the SOC 2 report deliverable?

Every SOC 2 report includes management's description of your system and boundaries, the CPA firm's independent opinion on controls, and detailed control testing documentation. Type II reports additionally include testing of operating effectiveness across the full audit period. We also provide guidance on sharing the report with customers.

Is it possible to complete a SOC 2 in 60 days?

A SOC 2 Type I can be achievable in 60 days for organizations with a mature control environment that are well-prepared. We assess readiness during scoping and will give you an honest answer about what is realistic. Rushing a Type II is generally not advisable, as the audit period itself requires time to demonstrate operating effectiveness.

How do we share our SOC 2 report with customers?

SOC 2 reports are confidential documents typically shared under NDA with customers and prospects who have a legitimate need. We provide guidance after issuance on how to package and distribute your report, including language for security questionnaire responses and how to address follow-up questions about findings.

Licensed CPA Firm

SOC 2 Reporting

Independent SOC 2 examinations for cloud providers, SaaS companies, and IT service organizations. Reports that hold up under due diligence because we do the work, not just sign the page.

Partner-led engagement, start to finish
Draft report within 2 weeks of fieldwork completion
Licensed CPA firm operating under AICPA attestation standards

Connect with an Expert

SOC 2 is a framework used to show your customers how you protect their data. We conduct SOC 2 engagements under AICPA standards, independently testing your controls against the Trust Services Criteria and issuing an opinion your customers and their security teams can rely on.

Security & Availability

Independent assessment of your controls against the AICPA Trust Services Criteria, covering how your organization addresses security, availability, and other categories relevant to your customers.

Independent Assurance

Verified by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA SSAE standards, not a self-assessment or platform-generated badge.

Customer Trust

Close deals faster by giving enterprise buyers the independent evidence they require before signing contracts.

Competitive Advantage

A SOC 2 report removes a major procurement barrier and signals operational maturity to partners and prospects.

AICPA SOC for Service Organizations seal

Licensed AICPA CPA Firm
Authorized to issue SOC 2 reports under AICPA SSAE No. 18 and subsequent standards

SOC 2 Reports Built for Scrutiny

No two environments are the same, and no two SOC reports should be either. We write reports designed to hold up under scrutiny, because your customers' security teams will read them.

Connect with an Expert

Not sure if you need a SOC 2 report?

Try our two minute quiz

Independent Control Testing

Assurance doesn't come from a GRC platform export. We independently test your controls against the Trust Services Criteria, document our procedures, and form our own opinion. We speak your language, understand your stack, and deliver a report that leaves no uncertainty about where you stand.
Technical Depth, Not Just Audit Experience

The right questions only come from genuine technical understanding. We have built and managed real IT environments, which means we already understand the systems, configurations, and risks we're evaluating before we ask our first question.
Partner Involvement, Start to Finish

At larger firms, a partner signs the report and junior staff run the audit. At Sage Audits, the partner walks you through every phase, from readiness through final report delivery. You always know who's responsible for the work.
Scoped for Your Reality

We work around your schedule and structure the engagement around your timeline. Once fieldwork is complete, we target a draft report within two weeks. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you that too.

Trust Services Criteria

What a SOC 2 report actually covers

SOC 2 engagements assess your controls across the AICPA Trust Services Criteria. Security is required; additional categories are selected based on your commitments to customers.

Security (Required)

Controls protecting against unauthorized access, both logical and physical. The foundation of every SOC 2 engagement.

Availability, Integrity, Confidentiality & Privacy

Additional criteria selected based on your service commitments. We help you determine which apply to your environment and customer expectations.

Which Report Do You Need?

SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II

The right report depends on your timeline, your customers' requirements, and where you are in your compliance journey.

Point in Time

Point-in-Time Design

Confirms controls are suitably designed as of a specific date.

Approximately 1 to 2 months from kickoff to report

Best for

First SOC 2 — need to unblock a deal quickly
Companies building their control environment
Using Type I as a stepping stone to Type II

Period of Time

Operating Effectiveness

Tests whether controls actually worked over an audit period of 3 to 12 months.

Report issued within 1 month of period end

Best for

Enterprise buyers — most require Type II for vendor approval
Companies ready to demonstrate sustained security over time
Teams that completed Type I and are ready for the full report

Typical next step after your first Type I.

Not sure which report is right for your timeline?

Take our 2-minute quiz

No email required. Instant results.

What to Expect

How a SOC 2 Engagement Works

Every engagement is partner-led and fixed-fee. Here is what the journey looks like, from first call to report in your hands.

Week 1-2

Scoping & Planning

We discuss your services, systems, control objectives, subservice organizations, and target report date. You receive a detailed engagement plan and request list.

Week 2-4

Readiness Assessment

For first-time engagements: we identify control gaps, map controls to the Trust Services Criteria, and deliver a prioritized remediation roadmap before fieldwork begins.

Engagement period

Fieldwork & Testing

Evidence collection, control testing, and interviews. We schedule around your operational peaks and work directly with control owners throughout.

~2 weeks after fieldwork

Report Delivery

You receive a polished report reviewed for consistency, accuracy, and clarity. We debrief on findings and coordinate with your clients' auditors as needed.

Year-round

Ongoing Support

We stay involved after report delivery, helping with auditor questions, control updates, and keeping you ready for the next audit cycle.

Scope Your Engagement

GRC Platform Compatible

Already using a compliance automation platform? We work with your existing stack, collecting evidence from your tools and requesting only the delta. Bring your platform. Our approach follows AICPA guidance on the use of software tools in SOC 2 examinations.

Vanta Drata Secureframe TrustCloud + others

Our Services

SOC 2 Engagement Options

Whether you're preparing for your first SOC 2 or renewing an existing report, we work directly with your team through every phase. No handoffs to junior staff, no surprises at the finish line. Learn more about our firm

Not sure whether you need SOC 2 or whether a Type I or Type II is right for you? Take our two-minute quiz or reach out for a quick conversation.

Recommended First Step

SOC 2 Readiness / GAP Assessment

Maps your controls to the Trust Services Criteria and identifies documentation gaps before your audit period starts.

The right starting point for organizations pursuing their first SOC 2 or returning after significant environment changes. Surfaces gaps, clarifies scope, and delivers a prioritized remediation roadmap before the clock starts.

As part of this assessment, we will:

Review existing policies, procedures, and control documentation
Define system boundaries and determine appropriate scope
Map current controls to the Trust Services Criteria (Security and additional categories)
Interview control owners to understand how your environment operates day-to-day
Identify gaps and missing evidence affecting audit readiness
Provide guidance on drafting the system description
Deliver a prioritized control listing with remediation guidance

Point-in-Time Report

SOC 2 Type I

Point-in-time assessment of control design. A practical first step if you need a report quickly while building toward Type II.

Evaluates whether your controls are suitably designed to meet the Trust Services Criteria as of a specific date. Provides an independent CPA opinion on your control environment and can satisfy customer requests while you prepare for a full Type II.

The Type I report includes:

Management's description of your system and its boundaries
An independent CPA opinion on whether controls are suitably designed
Assessment against your selected Trust Services Criteria categories

Ongoing Annual Report

SOC 2 Type II

Tests control design and operating effectiveness over an audit period of 6 to 12 months. Required by most enterprise customers.

The standard most enterprise buyers and security teams require. Assesses both the design and operating effectiveness over an audit period, providing the most comprehensive independent assurance that your controls work consistently over time.

Each Type II report includes:

Management's description of the system and boundaries, reviewed for fairness
Independent control testing across the full audit period, not just a snapshot
An opinion on both the design and operating effectiveness of controls
Optional framework mapping (NIST CSF, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.) where relevant

Available Add-On

SOC 2 + Additional Framework Mapping

Map your SOC 2 controls to additional compliance frameworks within a single engagement, reducing duplication and maximizing your audit investment.

Frameworks we currently map alongside SOC 2:

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) — widely referenced by enterprise procurement and risk teams
SOX ITGC — for service organizations supporting publicly traded company financial reporting

How It Works

Our Audit Process

Every engagement follows a structured, phased approach. You always know where things stand, what is next, and what is expected.

See Full Process Details

Scoping & Planning

Week 1-2

We discuss your services, systems, control objectives, subservice organizations, and target report date. You receive a detailed engagement plan and request list.

Readiness Assessment Optional

Week 2-4

For first-time engagements: we identify control gaps, map controls to objectives, and deliver a prioritized remediation roadmap before fieldwork begins.

Fieldwork & Testing

Engagement period

Evidence collection, control testing, and interviews. We schedule around your operational peaks and work directly with control owners throughout.

Report Delivery

~2 weeks after fieldwork

You receive a polished report reviewed for consistency, accuracy, and clarity. We debrief on findings and coordinate with your clients' auditors as needed.

Ongoing Support

Year-round

We stay involved after report delivery, helping with auditor questions, control updates, and keeping you ready for the next audit cycle.

Transparent Pricing

Get Your
Custom Quote

Our interactive calculator gives you a transparent estimate based on your organization's size, scope, and compliance requirements. Submit your information and receive a custom quote within 1 business day. No guesswork, no surprises.

Calculate Your Price

What the Estimate Covers

SOC 1 or SOC 2 audit scope
Organization size and complexity
Readiness assessment, if needed
Advisory or consulting add-ons
Delivered to your inbox, no obligation

Rethinking the IT Audit Experience

Big Four training. Boutique access. An end-to-end perspective that makes the difference.

Meet the Team

Tasya Novak, Managing Director, Sage Audits

Focused on IT Assurance

From SOC 1, 2, and 3 to SOX, our niche is IT audit. We understand risk, controls, and how to make compliance work for you.

Real World Expertise

With experience across Big Four firms and in-house internal audit roles, our team understands audits from both sides, with technical certification backed by practical insight. Meet the team →

Built for Business

No cookie-cutter compliance. Our audit process is designed around your operations, timelines, and goals because efficient audits begin with alignment. See how it works →

Client First Approach

Our assurance services help you gain insight into your security posture and build confidence with stakeholders. We use technology to streamline the process without sacrificing quality.

SOC 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often from CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and compliance leads evaluating SOC 2 for the first time.

Talk to a Partner

A SOC 2 Type I typically takes approximately one to two months from kickoff to report issuance, assuming controls are in place. A SOC 2 Type II depends on your examination period (3 to 12 months), with the report issued within one month of period end.

Total timeline from kickoff to final report is typically 5 to 14 months depending on your starting point and audit period length.

SOC 2 audit pricing varies based on scope, number of Trust Services Criteria categories, and the size and complexity of your environment. Readiness assessments typically range from $5,000 to $15,000. Type I audits start around $15,000. Type II audits typically start in the $20,000 range and can go well above $60,000 for larger or more complex environments.

We provide a fixed-fee proposal scoped to your actual environment, so there are no billing surprises. Use our pricing calculator for an estimate, or request a quote →

No. A Type I is not a prerequisite for a Type II. Many organizations go directly to a Type II, especially if they have strong controls in place. A Type I is most useful when you need a report quickly to satisfy a customer requirement while your Type II audit period runs concurrently.

Security (CC criteria) is required in every SOC 2 report. Additional categories, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy, are optional and selected based on your service commitments and what your customers care about.

Most SaaS companies start with Security only or Security + Availability. We help you determine the right scope during our initial scoping call so you are not over- or under-audited.

Yes. We work directly within your GRC platform throughout the engagement. We pull evidence from Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, TrustCloud, and similar tools, and we will tell you exactly what evidence format we need so collection is as lightweight as possible. Using a GRC platform does not reduce audit rigor, it reduces the manual burden on your team.

That is exactly what a readiness assessment is for. We identify gaps before your audit period begins so you have time to remediate. Discovering gaps during the audit is far more disruptive and costly. Our readiness engagements are structured to give you a clear, prioritized action list, not a generic checklist.

You work directly with a partner from scoping call through final report delivery. We do not hand off engagements to junior staff after the kickoff. The partner who scopes your engagement leads fieldwork, reviews findings, and signs the report.

With preparation, fieldwork is a concentrated 3 to 4 week window. The most common pain point is evidence collection, which GRC platforms significantly reduce. We provide a detailed evidence request list upfront, with clear format requirements, so your team is not fielding unclear back-and-forth requests during the audit.

A SOC 2 report contains: management's description of the system, including boundaries and service commitments; the auditor's opinion letter; a description of tests performed and the results; and, for Type II, a summary of any exceptions or noted deviations.

The report is confidential and shared only with customers and stakeholders under NDA. It is not a public certification, though many companies note their SOC 2 status publicly.

SOC 2 covers overlapping control domains with ISO 27001 and HIPAA. Many of the controls you implement for SOC 2 directly support HIPAA Security Rule compliance or ISO 27001 certification. We can map your SOC 2 control environment to these frameworks within the same engagement, giving your customers and partners a broader view of your compliance posture without doubling your audit effort.

SOC 2 Type II reports are issued for a specific audit period and typically renewed annually. Most enterprise customers and vendor security questionnaires expect a report dated within the last 12 months. Annual renewals are generally faster and more efficient than the initial engagement because the foundational documentation and scoping work is already in place.

If you are losing deals because enterprise procurement is asking for a SOC 2 report, it is not too early. We work with early-stage companies regularly, and the readiness phase is designed to meet you where you are, not assume you have a mature compliance program in place.

The right time to start is when it is costing you customers or adding friction to your sales process.